MEND was started in 1971 by Ed & Carolyn Rose, who were motivated by the poverty they witnessed in the Valley to do something about it. They set about persuading others – primarily members of their congregation at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church - to help them collect and distribute food, clothing and furniture to poor families in the community. For years, the Roses were joined by several other families to serve the neediest people in the community, under the name they had started calling themselves: MEND – Meet Each Need with Dignity.
In 1976 they formalized their activities into a non-profit organization and in the mid-80s MEND established operations in Pacoima, where it continues to provide food, clothing, one-on-one case management and support services to low-income individuals and families. For 50 years, MEND has continuously served the most vulnerable in our community, including those who are homeless, unemployed/under-employed, very low income, and older adults.